North East MPs have expressed concern over the House of Lords vote to ban all but mild smacking of children.

Under the compromise amendment to the Children Bill parents could face jail if physical punishment causes bruises, scratches or reddening of the skin.

Newcastle Central MP Jim Cousins thinks it will leave the police in an impossible position and Blaydon MP John McWilliam wants the amendment struck out when the Bill comes to the Commons.

And he has vowed to oppose his Wakefield Labour colleague David Hinchliffe's bid to outlaw parents smacking children altogether.

Mr McWilliam said: "The present law is fine. I don't believe in beating children but it is reasonable that a parent can administer some chastisement.

"Clearly that should not result in actual bodily harm but that is already covered by the current law.

"This compromise amendment will only cause confusion and I, and I hope the Government, will try to remove it from the Bill when it comes to the Commons.

"I will strongly oppose any attempt by Mr Hinchliffe to bring in a total ban."

Mr Cousins was concerned about the compromise approved last night. He said: "One of the tests by which I will consider what comes down from the Lords is whether the police will be left with a completely impossible law to try to enforce. Too often we have messy compromises which result in the police having an impossible job subjectively interpreting the law. I don't think we can leave them in that position.

"I fear that this compromise will lead to just that problem. They will have to decide whether a smack breaks the law and I just don't think that is right or fair."

Blyth Valley Labour MP Ronnie Campbell opposed any new legislation. "I'm not saying you can half beat the bairns to death," he said. "It's a matter for the parents. If they want to administer a little tap to tell the child he's done wrong they should be able to.

"This idea that you could smack them but not cause any bruising is just plain stupid and couldn't be enforced.

"All this talk about banning smacking is just a nanny state again. It's a matter for the parents and nobody else."

Last night's decision rejected an outright ban and backed the compromise allowing parents to resort to mild smacking.

The Government had urged peers to reject a total ban on the grounds that it would criminalise parents who smack their disobedient children. Causing bruises, reddening of the skin and mental harm will become a criminal offence in England and Wales.

Campaigners for an outright ban said the compromise was a fudge. But opponents of the planned law change said it would lead to authorities snooping into the lives of normal families.

The compromise amendment, supported by the Government, was drafted by Liberal Democrat Lord Lester of Herne Hill. Voting was 226 to 91 in favour of a compromise.

Labour peer Lord Preston called the Government's decision not to grant a free vote on the total ban, rejected 250 to 75, shameful.

Mr Hinchliffe immediately announced he would push for an outright ban once the Bill reaches the Commons. He said he had the support of 100 backbenchers and a significant number of ministers.